medicinal herbs: BLACKBERRY - Rubus fruticosus Rubus fruticosus Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family) Medicinal use of Blackberry: The root-bark and the leaves are strongly astringent, depurative, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary. They make an excellent remedy for dysentery, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, cystitis etc, the root is the more astringent. Externally, they are used as a gargle to treat sore throats, mouth ulcers and gum inflammations. A decoction of the leaves is useful as a gargle in treating thrush and also makes a good general mouthwash. Description of the plant: A very common and adaptable plant, found in hedgerows, woodland, meadows, waste ground etc. Edible parts of Blackberry: Fruit - raw or cooked. The best forms have delicious fruits and, with a range of types, it is possible to obtain ripe fruits from late July to November. The fruit is also made into syrups, jams and other preserves. Some people find that if they eat the fruit before it is very ripe and quite soft then it can give them stomach upsets. Root - cooked.

The root should be neither to young nor too old and requires a lot of boiling. A tea is made from the dried leaves - the young leaves are best. The leaves are often used in herbal tea blends. Young shoots - raw. They are harvested as they emerge through the ground in the spring, peeled and then eaten in salads. Other uses of the herb: A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit. A fibre is obtained from the stem and used to make twine. Plants are spread by seed deposited in the droppings of birds and mammals. They often spring up in burnt-over, logged or abandoned land and make an excellent pioneer species, creating the right conditions for woodland trees to move in. The trees will often grow in the middle of a clump of blackberries, the prickly stems protecting them from rabbits. Propagation of Blackberry: Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3ďż˝C and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame.

Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn. Cultivation of the herb: A very common and adaptable plant, found in hedgerows, woodland, meadows, waste ground etc. Known hazards of Rubus fruticosus: None known Rubus fruticosus (Bramble) | Right Plants 4 Me Latin Name: Rubus fruticosus (Bramble) Variety: Family Name: Rosaceae Plant Description: Hardy, evergreen to semi evergreen, climbing or rambling, cane fruit that bears edible berries which are a valuable food source to many birds and other animals. Stems tend to be prickly and bear alternate entire, usually toothed, palmate 3- or 5-lobed leaves, some are deeply divided and have an attractive fern-like appearance. Often the underneath of the leaf has very small, darkly coloured scent glands, which emit an aromatic smell.

Single, small, 4- to 5-petalled, cup- or saucer-shaped white to pink flowers are produced from May to September. Flowers give rise to red berries, which at the start of autumn, soften and darken to black when ripe. The succulent, edible fruits are a rich source of vitamin C, are an invaluable autumn fruit, with numerous culinary and medicinal uses. Berries can be eaten raw or used for a wide range of delicious dishes including sauces and jams. Although a well-known plant found in hedgerows or wasteland, the garden varieties are well worth growing, especially R. fruticosus 'Ashton Cross', which produces berries of a lovely flavour. They do need a permanent support or framework to grow on. They will, however, grow in shadier spots and unlike most other fruit are capable of producing a healthy crop on a north-facing wall. The Greeks and Romans used blackberries widely for their astringent and tonic properties, using them in the treatment of gout and bowel or mouth inflammation. Due to the high vitamin and tannin content of the berries they can be valuable treatment for cystitis and diarrhea.

Latin Name Explanation: Rubus probably derives its generic name in reference to the colour of the fruit ('ruber' is Latin for 'red'). 'Fruticosus' is Latin for 'bushy' referring to the somewhat rambling and characteristically thorny appearance of this species. Preferred Aspect: Sun (partial shade) Height: 2m Hardiness: Fully Frost Hardy - withstand temperature down to -15C Pest and Diseases If you Subscribe you are able to read about and identify Pests and Diseases that effect your plants. In order to identify "Pest and Diseases" you will be required to Register. It is Free to Register. When you Register you able to test the site Free for 4 days. This will enable you to try out the site and see if it suits your requirements. If you then decide to continue you can Subscribe for only £14.95 pa via PayPal You will be able to subscribe securely using PayPal. If you want plants added that are not on our database please feel free to contact neil@complete-gardens.co.uk In order to keep a record of your plants and to know when and how to prune them you will be required to register. Registering is easy.

Just click on Specific Planting: Plants are usually supplied as pot grown specimens. Plant in good, well prepared soil in autumn or spring. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball, fork the base to loosen the soil and work in plenty of organic matter. Sprinkle a handful of bonemeal around the base of the hole for autumn to winter plantings, or plenty of moist compost during spring to summer plantings. Backfill the hole ensuring soil is firmed carefully around the roots, and the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Firm the plant in using your heel or hands. This ensures good soil and root contact and prevents your plant being blown over in a wind. After planting, water well to settle the soil around the roots. This again ensures the soil makes good contact with the roots and gives your plant a good start in its new surroundings. Cut canes back to about 15cm (6in) to encourage plenty of new canes to develop. Propagation Rubus 'Benenden' Plants I have. If you subscribe you are able to make a visual and printable list of 'Plants I Have'.

You simply click on 'My Plant List' Add to 'Plants I have' and your plants are listed alphabetically with an image, plus Latin & Common name, Genus, Notes, Action – You can then view the plant info plus Delete plant from list to keep your plants lists up to date. Plants I want. You are able to make a visual printable list of 'Plants I Want' You simply click on 'My Plant List' Add plant to 'Plant I want'. Your plants are listed alphabetically with images, Latin & common name, Genus, Notes, Action – show plant info and delete plant from list OR move to Plants I Have Plants to prune. You can choose any month to see which of your plants need pruning and be advised what to do. Simply click on the plant image to view the illustrated pruning advice. This screen show plants I have that need pruning in February To keep a record of your plant lists and notes there is an annual subscription charge of only £14.95. Payment can be made securely using PayPal. Click here to register with the option to subscribe. List of your plants with Notes. If you Subscribe you are able to add your personal notes to plants.

You simply click "Add Notes" and type in the text box. You can print your notes with an image of the plant. You can view and print the list of your plants with notes. In order to keep a record of your "Notes" you will be required to Register. It is Free to Register. When you Register you able to test the site Free for 4 days. This will enable you to try out the site and see if it suits your requirements. If you then decide to continue you can Subscribe for only £14.95 pa via PayPal Add Notes You can add your personal notes to plants. You can print your notes with an image of the plant. You will be able to subscribe securely using PayPal. If you want plants added that are not on our database please feel free to contact neil@complete-gardens.co.uk Rubus fruticosus Blackberry, Shrubby blackberry PFAF Plant Database Physical Characteristics Rubus fruticosus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender.

It is in leaf 11-Mar It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from Jul to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects, Apomictic.The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. Synonyms Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedgerow; Edible Uses Edible Uses: Tea . Fruit - raw or cooked[5, 7, 9, 12, 183].

The best forms have delicious fruits and, with a range of types, it is possible to obtain ripe fruits from late July to November[K]. The fruit is also made into syrups, jams and other preserves[238]. Some people find that if they eat the fruit before it is very ripe and quite soft then it can give them stomach upsets[K]. Root - cooked. The root should be neither to young nor too old and requires a lot of boiling[7]. A tea is made from the dried leaves[21] - the young leaves are best[61]. The leaves are often used in herbal tea blends[238]. Young shoots - raw. They are harvested as they emerge through the ground in the spring, peeled and then eaten in salads[244]. Medicinal Uses Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. Antidiarrhoeal ; Astringent ; Depurative ; Diuretic ; Tonic ; Vulnerary .

The root-bark and the leaves are strongly astringent, depurative, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary[4, 7, 9, 165, 254]. They make an excellent remedy for dysentery, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, cystitis etc, the root is the more astringent[4, 238]. Externally, they are used as a gargle to treat sore throats, mouth ulcers and gum inflammations[238, 254]. A decoction of the leaves is useful as a gargle in treating thrush and also makes a good general mouthwash[7]. Other Uses Dye ; Fibre ; Pioneer . A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit[168]. A fibre is obtained from the stem and used to make twine[66]. Plants are spread by seed deposited in the droppings of birds and mammals. They often spring up in burnt-over, logged or abandoned land and make an excellent pioneer species, creating the right conditions for woodland trees to move in.

The trees will often grow in the middle of a clump of blackberries, the prickly stems protecting them from rabbits[K]. Cultivation details Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil[1, 11, 200]. Succeeds in acid and calcareous soils[186]. Tolerates poor soils[202]. Established plants are drought resistant[132]. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade[1, 11, 200], though it fruits less well in the shade[202]. Plants will also fruit when grown in fairly deep shade or against a north facing wall, though the fruit will ripen later[219]. Plants tolerate quite severe exposure[186]. Hardy to at least -18°c[202]. R. fruticosus is an aggregate species made up of several hundred slightly differing species. The reason for this is that most seed is produced by a non-sexual method (Apomixis) and is therefore genetically identical to the parent plant.

On occasions when sexual production of seed takes place the offspring will all be slightly different from the parent plant and will then usually reproduce as a new species by means of apomixy. Modern treatment of this aggregate usually does not use the name R. fruticosus because of the confusion over which species it should apply to, the type species of the aggregate should be called R. ulmifolius[150]. The following members of the aggregate have been highly recommended for their fruit[150]. R. badius. R. cyclophorus. R. gratus. R. nemoralis. R. oxyanchus. R. pyramidalis. R. separinus. R. winteri. The following members are said to be nearly as good. R. balfourianus. R. broensis. R. carpinifolius. R. foliosus. R. fuscoviridis. R. infestus. R. insericatus newbouldianus. R. koehleri. R. largificus. R. londinensis. R. ludensis. R. macrophyllus. R. obscurus. R.

pseudo-bifrons. R. rhombifolius. R. riddelsdellii. R. scaber. R. thyrsiflorus. R. vallisparsus. R. vestitus. Plants form dense thickets and this makes excellent cover for birds[186]. They regenerate freely after being cut back[186]. This species is also a good plant for bees and butterflies[24]. This species has biennial stems, it produces a number of new stems each year from the perennial rootstock, these stems fruit in their second year and then die[200]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. Propagation Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[200]. Tip layering in July.

Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn[200]. Other Names Found In Weed Potential Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking. Conservation Status IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Related Plants Rubus fruticosus | Right Plants 4 Me Plant Description: We are all familiar with the vigorous wild hedgerow blackberry. There are also several hybrids and thorn-less varieties which have been adapted for cultivation in gardens. As well as their fruiting qualities, these are ideal plants for covering a large trellis or tall fence, or they can be grown in a hedge for a more natural effect. The most vigorous garden varieties, such as 'Himalaya Giant' produce spiny canes up to 3 m long, and so form a very effective prickly barrier. Other cultivars, such as 'Oregon Thornless' have no prickles and can be grown over arches. 'Oregon Thornless' is a particularly attractive foliage plant with its deeply cut, parsley-like leaves sometimes turning to reddy-orange in the autumn.

'Ashton Cross' is a heavy cropper with fruits which have an authentic wild blackberry taste, while 'Fantasia' produces outstanding sized fruits. All blackberries produce their fruit on the previous year's stems or canes. In each fruiting season the plant has a mixture of old stems, which will bear fruit and then die back, and new stems which will produce the next year's crop. Blackberries grow best in ground that retains moisture and is not too limey. They will tolerate partial shade. The canes are hardy but the tips can be damaged by hard frosts on exposed sites. Latin Name Explanation: Preferred Aspect: Sun (partial shade) Height: 3m Hardiness: Fully Frost Hardy - withstand temperature down to -15C Pest and Diseases If you Subscribe you are able to read about and identify Pests and Diseases that effect your plants. In order to identify "Pest and Diseases" you will be required to Register. It is Free to Register. When you Register you able to test the site Free for 4 days. This will enable you to try out the site and see if it suits your requirements.

If you then decide to continue you can Subscribe for only £14.95 pa via PayPal You will be able to subscribe securely using PayPal. If you want plants added that are not on our database please feel free to contact neil@complete-gardens.co.uk In order to keep a record of your plants and to know when and how to prune them you will be required to register. Registering is easy. Just click on Specific Planting: Blackberries are not fussy about location, although it is best to choose an area which has not had blackberries or raspberries growing in it for several years. If possible prepare the ground a month in advance of planting by removing the topsoil and adding a 7-8 cm layer of garden compost. Fork in and return top soil. Scatter a general purpose fertiliser over the ground. Bare-rooted canes can be planted in November, December or March, whereas container grown specimens can be planted any time of year provided the weather is favourable. To plant bare-rooted canes, dig a trench 30-36 cm wide and 9 cm deep. Spread the roots out; replace soil and gently tread in.

Cut the stems down to about 23 cm immediately after planting. For container grown plants, water the plant thoroughly before removing from the container. Cut down the sides of the container to release the plant and place in a hole deep enough for the root ball to be surrounded by a 9-10 cm layer of planting compost. This should be made up of topsoil and peat mixed in equal quantities to which a sprinkling of bonemeal is added. There is no need to cut the stem back after planting on a container grown plant. If growing more than one blackberry, leave a gap of at least 3.5 m between plants - or 4.5 m if growing one of the more vigorous varieties. Propagation Rubus 'Benenden' Plants I have. If you subscribe you are able to make a visual and printable list of 'Plants I Have'. You simply click on 'My Plant List' Add to 'Plants I have' and your plants are listed alphabetically with an image, plus Latin & Common name, Genus, Notes, Action – You can then view the plant info plus Delete plant from list to keep your plants lists up to date. Plants I want.

You are able to make a visual printable list of 'Plants I Want' You simply click on 'My Plant List' Add plant to 'Plant I want'. Your plants are listed alphabetically with images, Latin & common name, Genus, Notes, Action – show plant info and delete plant from list OR move to Plants I Have Plants to prune. You can choose any month to see which of your plants need pruning and be advised what to do. Simply click on the plant image to view the illustrated pruning advice. This screen show plants I have that need pruning in February To keep a record of your plant lists and notes there is an annual subscription charge of only £14.95. Payment can be made securely using PayPal. Click here to register with the option to subscribe. List of your plants with Notes. If you Subscribe you are able to add your personal notes to plants. You simply click "Add Notes" and type in the text box. You can print your notes with an image of the plant. You can view and print the list of your plants with notes. In order to keep a record of your "Notes" you will be required to Register. It is Free to Register.

When you Register you able to test the site Free for 4 days. This will enable you to try out the site and see if it suits your requirements. If you then decide to continue you can Subscribe for only £14.95 pa via PayPal Add Notes You can add your personal notes to plants. You can print your notes with an image of the plant. You will be able to subscribe securely using PayPal. If you want plants added that are not on our database please feel free to contact neil@complete-gardens.co.uk Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) Class: Dicotyledonae Summary of Invasiveness R. fruticosus is highly invasive in some areas, it competes aggressively with native species and can therefore exclude and replace native vegetation, it forms thickets rapidly with a dense canopy of shade and can threaten sensitive and fragile ecosys... Don't need the entire report? Generate a print friendly version containing only the sections you need. R. fruticosus: flowers, fruits (ripe and ripening) and leaves of 'blackberry'. Copyright Department of Natural Resources, Mines & Energy Flowers and fruitsR.

fruticosus: flowers, fruits (ripe and ripening) and leaves of 'blackberry'.Department of Natural Resources, Mines & Energy Identity English: bramble; European blackberry; scaldhead; shrubby blackberry; wild blackberry; wild blackberry complex Spanish: zarza; zarzamora; zarzamora comun French: murier; murier sauvage; ronce; ronce commune Portuguese: amora silvestre; silva Denmark: almindelig brombær; brombær; klynger Finland: karhunvattu; oimuvatukka Italy: mora di rovo; rogo; roveto; rovo Netherlands: bosbraam; braam; braambes; gewone braam Norway: björnbär; sötbjörnbär Poland: jerzyna; jezyna; jezyna faldowana; jezyna krzewiasta Sweden: bjoernbaer; bjønnbær; bjørnebær; søtbjønnbær EPPO code RUBFR (Rubus fruticosus) Summary of Invasiveness Top of page R.

fruticosus is highly invasive in some areas, it competes aggressively with native species and can therefore exclude and replace native vegetation, it forms thickets rapidly with a dense canopy of shade and can threaten sensitive and fragile ecosystems. R. fruticosus is a regulated noxious weed in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. However, it is still a widely grown commercial fruit species and as such, further imports of plant material are likely. Taxonomic Tree Species: Rubus fruticosus Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature Top of page The original Linnaean Rubus fruticosus L., senso typo, has been treated as a broad complex, an aggregate of several slightly differing species that belong to several sections and subsections. Over 300 species have been recognized in the UK (Clapham et al., 1952). For a full list of species included refer to Tutin (1968) and Floraweb (2003). Almost all species of Rubus are agamospecies, segregated from R. fruticosus L.

Many of these species arose during the Pleistocene era as a result of hybridization and apomixis (reproduction by seeds which develop without sexual fusion; Tutin et al., 1968). Due to this facultative apomixis, the seed is genetically identical to the parent plant. In the case of the less frequent sexual production, the offspring will be slightly different from the parent plant and will then usually reproduce as a new species by means of apomixis. In combination with the ability of Rubus to spread vegetatively over large areas, this has the consequence that the slightest variation tends to persist and to become recognised as a species, complicating the taxonomy. As such, this datasheet covers R. fruticosus in its broadest aggregate sense. Description Top of page R. fruticosus is a very prickly, scrambling, woody shrub with a perennial root system and biennial canes. It grows up to 2 m or more tall and is extremely variable in leaf shape and plant form. Stems are variable, semi-erect canes, which grow up to 8 or 10 m long.

The canes may be green, purplish, or red and have generally backward pointing thorns, and are moderately hairy, round or angled, sometimes bearing small, stalked glands. They are arching, entangling, and woody. Stems can root at the tips to form new plants and new stems grow from the base each year. Roots are stout, branched, creeping underground, growing vertically to a maximum depth of 1.5 m depending on soil type, from a woody crown up to 20 cm in diameter. Secondary roots grow horizontally from the crown for 30-60 cm, and then grow down vertically. Many thin roots grow in all directions from the secondary roots (Weber, 1995; Bruzzese 1998; Roy et al. 1998; Anon., 2001). The alternate leaves are divided into 3 or 5 serrated, shortly stalked, oval leaflets, which are arranged palmately, coloured dark green on top and pale beneath. Some taxa have the underside of leaves covered in pale hairs. Stalks and mid-ribs are prickly.

Flowers are white to pink, 2-3 cm in diameter, with five petals and numerous stamens, in many-flowered clusters. In the northern hemisphere, R. fruticosus flowers approximately from May to August, in the southern hemisphere from November to April. The fruit is an aggregated berry, 10-20 mm long, changing colour from green to red to black as it ripens, made up of approximately twenty to fifty single-seeded drupelets. Seeds are deeply and irregularly pitted, oval, coloured light to dark brown, and 2.6-3.7 mm long and 1.6-2.5 mm wide. Plant Type Woody Distribution Top of page R. fruticosus L. agg. is native to much of Europe. The genus Rubus is distributed in all continents except in Antarctica, with a northern limit of 65-75°N (approximating to the Arctic Circle) including areas with extreme aridity (Weber, 1995).

In the tropics and sub-tropics, the genus is restricted to mountain areas, but is not known to occur in East Africa (Luke Q, National Museums of Kenya, personal communication, 2004). The distribution list indicates the native range and the exotic range where it is considered invasive. R. fruticosus is considered to be present in many other countries as a commercial species. Distribution Table Top of page The distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report. Country Pennycook, 1998 ; Roy et al., 1998 ; EPPO, 2014 ; Webb et al., 1998 History of Introduction and Spread Top of page Generally, introduction and spread of R. fruticosus L. agg. have been intentional as a fruit crop or a barrier hedge. In Australia, blackberry was evidently planted in New South Wales by the late 1830s.

In 1842 blackberry was first recorded as being deliberately introduced from Europe into Adelaide, South Australia for its fruit. It was included in the sale catalogue of a Tasmanian nursery by 1845. Blackberry was recognised to have become a significant weed by the 1880s, and first proclaimed a noxious weed in Gippsland, Victoria in 1894.(Anon., 2001). The initial introduction to New Zealand was probably as a food plant by early settlers and other introductions can be traced back to distributions of plants from the Melbourne Botanic Gardens in the mid 1800s (Webb et al., 1988). In New Zealand, the initial spread of blackberry was intentional by planting for use as a food source and to form hedges, with unintentional distribution via humans, sheep and particularly by introduced birds, and by horticultural escape (Healy, 1952; Guthrie-Smith, 1953). Risk of Introduction Top of page It is still a widely grown commercial fruit species and as such, further imports of plant material is likely.

In New Zealand, it is on a list of 110 species of National Surveillance Plant Pests, prohibited from propagation, sale, distribution, and commercial display throughout the country (Pennycook, 1998). R. fruticosus is listed as a 'weed of national significance' in Australia (Anon., 2001) and presently occupies about 9 million hectares of land (Evans K, Tasmania Institute of Agricultural Research, Australia, personal communication, 2004). In the USA, it is included in the federal noxious weed list (USDA-APHIS, 2002). In South Africa, R. fructicosus is legally recognized as an invasive plant and is listed as a Category 2 Invader Plant under the Conservation Of Agricultural Resources Act, i.e. species with commercial or utility value, which may only be grown with a permit under controlled circumstances (Wildy E, Alien Invader Plants Project, South Africa, personal communication, 2004).

Habitat Top of page It occurs on wasteland, cemeteries, hedgerows, fence lines, roadsides, steep banks, hillsides, scrubby hillsides, forest, plantations, scrub margins, clearings, fen land, swamps, damp places, creeks, streamsides, river banks, river flats, river terraces, pasture, damp and neglected pasture (Webb et al., 1988). Habitat List Managed forests, plantations and orchards Present, no further details Harmful (pest or invasive) Hosts/Species Affected Top of page Large infestations threaten both agricultural and natural ecosystems resulting in the reduction of productivity of land for forestry, agriculture or horticulture. R. fruticosus rarely invades well-managed pastures, established tree plantations or intact native vegetation, but in disturbed sites it can quickly become the dominant species. It has, however, become a serious weed of young plantations and poorly managed grasslands, in orchards and some natural woodlands. Biology and Ecology Top of page Genetics European blackberry species comprise a few diploid sexual species, e.g. R. idaeus, R. ulmifolius, R.

bollei, R. canescens, R. incanescens, R. moschus (Weber, 1995) and a large number of (allo-)polyploid agamospecies (Evans et al., 1998). Chromosome numbers form a polyploid series with the basic number of x=7: 2n=14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 (Weber, 1995). According to McGregor (1998), genotypes of blackberry grown commercially do not have weedy characteristics. For the differentiation into the two different sections 'Ursini' and 'Moriferi', refer to Jennings (1988) and McGregor (1998). The extensive hybridization within the group further complicates the genus, as most hybrids of blackberries are between species in the R. fruticosus aggregate (Department of the Environment, 1994; Weber, 1995).

Due to the fact that the slightest variation tends to persist and to become recognized as a species, very low levels of genetic variability occur within apomictic taxa in Europe such as R. plicatus, R. scissus, R. gracilis, R. infestus, R. grabowski, R. pedemontanus and R. polyanthemus (Kraft and Nybom, 1995; Kraft et al., 1996). Physiology and Phenology Seed requires stratification and germinates in spring. Seedlings are poor competitors, but this is compensated by the large amount of seed produced annually. Shading and competition affect seedling survival negatively and most seedlings die in early establishment; Amor (1971) found that only 15% of seedlings at one study site survived the first year. Those which succeed in establishing can grow up to four canes, with a length of up to 1 m, producing daughter plants in their first autumn. Reproductive Biology R. fruticosus is able to propagate vegetatively from 'daughter' canes which can root where contacting the soil.

It produces large quantities of fleshy fruits apomictically but also sexually by pollination via insects. Oldest crowns in thickets being found were 7.5 years old and belonged to R. procerus and R. ulmifolius hybrids. The longevity of crowns of other species in the aggregate is not known (Amor, 1971; Bruzzese, 1998). Environmental Requirements R. fruticosus is generally a temperate species preferring a range of soil conditions and rainfall regimes. In Australia, it is restricted to temperate climates with an annual rainfall of at least 700 mm, and occurs at any altitude (Bruzzese, 1998), and R. fruticosus can grow up to elevations of 1600 m in the USA (Ertter, 1993). It requires moist soil but can tolerate some drought, or even in areas with extreme aridity (Weber, 1995). The plant can tolerate strong winds but not maritime exposure (Bean and Clarke, 1991; Huxley et al., 1999). When established, R.

fruticosus can grow in full shade in deep woodland, semi-shade in light woodland, or no shade situations, but in full shade fruit production is reduced and fruits will ripen later. Associations Numerous animal species, especially birds and small mammals, use R. fruticosus as a source of food and for habitat. It is also associated with arbuscular mycorrhiza (Helgason et al., 2002). Latitude/Altitude Mean minimum temperature of coldest month (ºC) -18 Leaves Notes on Natural Enemies Top of page Pennycook (1998) lists twenty-one insects, five phytophagous or predatory mites and one nematode species recorded on Rubus in New Zealand. Most of these invertebrates feed on different plant species, and those specific to Rubus have a wide host range within this genus. In addition, nineteen fungal pathogens are listed, causing wilts, blights, root rots, cane spots and leaf spots. Most of them cause only insignificant symptoms on R. fruticosus and/or affect also a range of other hosts.

Bruzzese (1980) states that though more than 40 phytophagous species occur on R. fruticosus, it appears that they have only little effect in suppressing populations of this species. Viruses found infecting R. fruticosus to various degrees, amongst a range of other host species are the aphid-vectored Raspberry leaf curl virus (Stace-Smith, 1991a) and Black raspberry necrosis virus (Stace-Smith, 1991b), and the nematode-vectored Strawberry latent ringspot virus (Cooper, 1986). According to EPPO (2003), R.

fruticosus is a minor host of the following quarantine pests: Anthonomus signatus, Apple mosaic ilarvirus, Arabis mosaic virus, Black raspberry latent virus, Cherry leafroll virus, Melacosoma americanum, Naupactus leucoloma, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus, Strawberry latent ringspot virus, Thrips imaginis, Tomato black ring virus, Tomato ringspot virus; and an incidental host for: Tobacco ringspot virus, Anthonomus bisignifer, Cacoecimorpha pronubana, and Raspberry ringspot virus. Means of Movement and Dispersal Top of page Seed can be dispersed along watercourses, but the principal means of dispersal is by animals after feeding on the fruit. Small mammals and livestock, also humans may assist in dispersal, but the main dispersal agents are undoubtedly birds. As stem fragments can root and produce new plants, there exists the possibility that plant parts may be spread by agricultural and cutting machinery to new areas. R. fruticosus is still traded as a fruit crop, and sold by nurseries, garden centres, by mail order and via the Internet and as such is also likely to spread intentionally.

Pathway Vectors Plant parts liable to carry the pest in trade/transport Pest stages Visibility of pest or symptoms Flowers, Inflorescences, Cones, Calyx Plant parts not known to carry the pest in trade/transport Bark Stems (above ground), Shoots, Trunks, Branches Wood None Impact Top of page The impact is discussed controversially, as blackberry is considered a weed in some parts of the world, especially in Australia and New Zealand but it is also a desirable fruit crop (Groves, 1998). Though the pest status of blackberry has declined in New Zealand because of improved pasture management techniques and potent new herbicides, it is still ranked as the country's fourth most serious weed. The estimated economic impact to New Zealand's plantation forestry is $NZ10 million a year, and to its farmland $NZ10.5 million a year (Pennycook, 1998). The total estimated loss of $NZ20.5 million, is still much larger than the national annual value of the small but expanding Rubus fruit industry, estimated to be worth about $NZ12.5 million to the economy (Pennycook, 1998).

In Australia, production loss by impacts of blackberry was estimated at $A42 million (Field and Bruzzese, 1984), whereas the economic benefit per year was estimated at only $A660,000 from fruit production and increases in honey production (Field and Bruzzese, 1984). Thus in these two countries, the economic costs outweigh the benefits, by over 50 times in the case of Australia. Blackberry thickets can also have negative economic impacts by forming dense barriers restricting the movement of livestock, and the thorny stems cause injury to animals and contaminate wool. Environmental Impact Top of page R. fruticosus can degrade the natural environment by altering habitats as a result of crowding out and suppressing the growth of native vegetation. Blackberry thickets provide habitats for introduced birds and animals such as foxes and rabbits in Australia (Groves et al., 1998). Due to its biennial growth habit, the majority of biomass in a blackberry thicket is dead material from previous years, resulting in the exacerbation of fire hazards in larger infestations (Bruzzese, 1998).

Around the root mass, soil erosion is accelerated along watercourses. This in turn results in an increase in sedimentation within the watercourses and the spread of blackberry seeds downstream. The extensive use of herbicides to control blackberry is environmentally undesirable. Impact: Biodiversity Top of page R. fruticosus can threaten populations of certain native plant species that are already rare or endangered (Briggs, 1998; Davies 1998). Williams and Timmins (1990) listed blackberry as a significant problem weed of protected natural areas, which can permanently alter the structure, successional processes, and composition of organisms present in native communities. However, dense blackberry thickets can provide nesting and sheltering sites for birds and mammals. Social Impact Top of page Due to its vigorous growth and entangling canes, R. fruticosus can cause restriction of access to areas of public land for management purposes and restriction of access by visitors for recreational activities. Dead, dry canes are also undesirable from an aesthetic point of view as well as the nuisance value of the thorny stems.

Blackberry invasions can result in loss of amenity, can cause interference with water flow, and prevent the establishment of species with desirable bank-stabilizing attributes. Property values can decrease substantially due to heavy infestations of blackberry. Large thickets can also obstruct visibility along roads. Risk and Impact Factors Produces spines, thorns or burrs Impact outcomes Has propagules that can remain viable for more than one year Highly adaptable to different environments Highly mobile locally Invasive in its native range Proved invasive outside its native range Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc Likelihood of entry/control Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately Uses Top of page R. fruticosus presents a food source for honey bees, goats, deer (Bruzzese, 1998) and other wild animals as well as for humans. Fruits are highly palatable with a high vitamin C content and can be eaten raw, or made into drinks, jams, syrups or various preserves (Bown, 1997).

Leaves are used in the preparation of herbal teas and the root bark and leaves are used medicinally, being strongly astringent, depurative, diuretic, and vulnerary. Fruits provide a blue dye and a fibre can be obtained from the stems to make string. Blackberry bushes can prevent soil erosion on infertile, disturbed sites (van Dersal, 1938). Uses List Traditional/folklore Similarities to Other Species/Conditions Top of page Due to the special taxonomic situation of R. fruticosus, there are a lot of very similar species within the aggregate. Prevention and Control Top of page Cultural Control Depending on the situation, the composition of the soil seed bank and the availability of seed sources, promotion of alternative, competitive species to prevent re-infestation with blackberry can be effective. This method is useful in pastures with reseeding of improved forage grasses, but not recommended where the protection of threatened native species is also a management aim (Groves et al., 1998).

Other methods which could be successful are the strategic use of fire, the maintenance of soil fertility to prevent the establishment of blackberry, and by goat grazing (Vere and Holst, 1979). Mechanical Control Cutting of plants by hand can be effective on smaller infestations but the long flexuous stems and penetrating thorns make this a hazardous task for the operators. Infested sites can be cut with a tractor mower or rotary slasher, and above-ground parts removed mechanically. Roots can then be removed by hand digging or ploughing. R. fruticosus may regenerate from any stem or root fragment, which means that mechanical methods may not usually totally eradicate this species from a site. Biological Control A problem for finding a suitable biological control agent is that almost all the invertebrate pests and diseases present on blackberry may cause collateral damage to commercial crops. In the 1980s, the blackberry leaf rust fungus Phragmidium violaceum was identified in Europe as a possible biological control agent. While it was being assessed it was also discovered in Victoria, Australia in 1984, assumed to be from an illegal introduction.

Though spreading quickly, it was not as damaging as strains selected during the European work, one of which was introduced into Australia in 1991 (Bruzzese and Lane, 1996; Amor et al., 1998). In New Zealand, P. violaceum was first observed in 1990 and is now widely established but has not been recorded from cultivated Rubus. On the other hand, its long-term impact there on invasive blackberry has been minor and localized (Pennycook, 1998). As the susceptibility of different Rubus taxa to individual strains of P. violaceum varies (Bruzzese and Hasan, 1986), a better knowledge of blackberry taxonomy and accurate taxonomic keys are necessary to find suitable strains for the different species within the aggregate. Research in Australia on the taxonomy and genotypes of the aggregate has lead to the identification of at least 40 different genotypes, some of which appear resistant to this rust fungus (Evans et al., 1998; Evans et al., 1999).

The effects depend on climate conditions, for example if rainfall is high it can be very effective but it does not perform well in less humid climates (Mahr and Bruzzese, 1998). A research programme organized by the CRC for Weed Management Systems with funding from the CRC, Agriculture Western Australia and CSIRO Entomology began in 1999 to identify rust strains in Europe which are virulent on the genotypes of Rubus characterized as resistant in Australia. With an improved identification of R. fruticosus in Australia, a more detailed search for effective strains of P. violaceum is now possible. A strain has been selected for further study from surveys in Portugal and a trap garden of Australian clones of blackberry was established in France with cultures of trapped rusts being studied for their relative effectiveness against R. fruticosus (Scott et al., 2002). Chemical Control Several herbicides have been found to be effective, applied by knapsack or mistblower for smaller infestations, handgun and hose units for larger infestations.

These include triclopyr alone or in mixture with picloram (Milne and Dellow, 1998), metasulfuron, amitrole, glyphosate and hexazinone (Anon., 2004). Often inaccessibility, excessively large infestations and the risk of damage to native vegetation make control by herbicides difficult or impossible (Bruzzese and Lane, 1996; Amor et al., 1998). Integrated Control According to Bruzzese and Lane (1996), a range of control techniques will work much better than any isolated weed control technique. Therefore, it is very important to consider every available control option when a control programme is planned. References Rubus Fruticosus - Common Blackberry - Identification & Pictures. Edible & Medicinal Foraging Guide Beowulf65 5 Aug, 2008 Blackberries are perennial plants which typically bear biennial stems (&quot;canes&quot;) from the perennial root system.

In its first year, a new stem grows vigorously to its full length of 3-6 m, arching or trailing along the ground and bearing large palmately compound leaves with five or seven leaflets; it does not produce any flowers. In its second year, the stem does not grow longer, but the flower buds break to produce flowering laterals, which bear smaller leaves with three or five leaflets. First and second year shoots are usually spiny with numerous short curved very sharp thorns (thornless cultivars have been developed purposefully). The flowers are produced in late spring and early summer on short racemes on the tips of the flowering laterals. Each flower is about 2-3 cm in diameter with five white or pale pink petals. The newly developed primocane fruiting blackberries flower and fruit on the new growth. The early flowers often form more drupelets than the later ones. This can be a symptom of exhausted reserves in the plant&#039;s roots, marginal pollinator populations, or infection with a virus such as Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV).

Even a small change in conditions, such as a rainy day or a day too hot for bees to work after early morning, can reduce the number of bee visits to the flower, thus reducing the quality of the fruit. The drupelets only develop around ovules that are fertilized by the male gamete from a pollen grain. The fruit, in botanical terminology, is not a berry, but an aggregate fruit of numerous drupelets ripening to a black or dark purple fruit, the &quot;blackberry&quot;. Unmanaged mature plants form a tangle of dense arching stems, the branches rooting from the node tip when they reach the ground. They are very vigorous, growing at fast rates in woods, scrub, hillsides and hedgerows, covering large areas in a relatively short time. It will tolerate poor soil, and is an early colonist of wasteland and building sites. Blackberry leaves are also a food for certain Lepidoptera caterpillars. Cultivation and uses: Primary cultivation takes place in the North American State of Oregon located in the United States of America.

Recorded in 1995 and 2006: 6,180 to 6,900 farmed acres of blackberries, producing 42.6 to 41.5 million pounds, making Oregon the leading blackberry producer in the world. The soft fruit is popular for use in desserts, jams, seedless jellies and sometimes wine. Since the many species form hybrids easily, there are many cultivars with more than one species in their ancestry. Blackberry flowers are good nectar producers, and large areas of wild blackberries will yield a medium to dark, fruity honey. The blackberry is known to contain polyphenol antioxidants, naturally occurring chemicals that can upregulate certain beneficial metabolic processes in mammals. It is not advisable to use or eat blackberries growing close to busy roads due to the accumulated toxins from the traffic. The astringent blackberry root is sometimes used in herbal medicine as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery. The related but smaller European dewberry (R. caesius) can be distinguished by the white, waxy coating on the fruits, which also usually have fewer drupelets.

(Rubus caesius) is in its own section (Caesii) within the subgenus Rubus. In some parts of the world, such as in Australia, Chile, New Zealand and the Pacific Northwest region of North America, some blackberry species, particularly Rubus armeniacus (syn. R. procerus, &#039;Himalaya&#039;) and Rubus laciniatus (&#039;Evergreen&#039;) are naturalised and considered an invasive species and a serious weed. As there is forensic evidence from the Iron Age Haraldskï¿½r Woman that she consumed blackberries some 2500 years ago, it is reasonable to conclude that blackberries have been eaten by humans over thousands of years. Blackberries rank highly among fruits for antioxidant strength, particularly due to their dense contents of polyphenolic compounds, such as ellagic acid, tannins, ellagitannins, quercetin, gallic acid, anthocyanins and cyanidins.

Blackberries have an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of 5347 per 100 grams, including them among the top-ranked ORAC fruits. Another report using a different assay for assessing antioxidant strength placed blackberry at the top of more than 1000 antioxidant foods consumed in the United States. Nutrient content of seeds Blackberries are exceptional among other Rubus berries for their numerous, large seeds not always preferred by consumers. They contain rich amounts of omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and -6 fats (linoleic acid), protein, dietary fiber, carotenoids, ellagitannins and ellagic acid. Current Rating: 0.0000 Ted 30 Jan, 2010 Blackberries differ from rasberries in the stems are more angular.Rasberries have a white-powdered round stem. Dried leaves of both used as tea,young growing,shoots (before the thorns get hard) can be eaten raw or cooked.

Current Rating: 0.0000 ravenscar 2 Oct, 2010 The USDA plot map does not show any locations, but a large amount of blackberriesï¿½ grow in Anderson county ,TX during the summer, and is always found in dense bushes. Very difficult to transplant any variety Iï¿½ve encountered so far, but the younger ones fare well in semi shade that has moderately drained soil. Current Rating: 0.0000 Scientific Name of Blackberry | In other Languages Scientific Name of Blackberry All ? A recognized latin name given to fruits, consisting of a genus and species. Scientific name helps avoiding misunderstandings which can arise by common names. Scientific Name </> The alternate name of Blackberry. Synonym << Facts What is the Botanical name of Blackberry? What is the botanical name of Blackberry? This scientific name is derived from the Latin or Greek languages and consists of two parts: First part defines the genus whereas the second part defines the species within the genus. The scientific name of Blackberry is Rubus Fruticosus. This nomenclature is based on Scientific Classification of Blackberry .

This fruit is usually known by its common name but the scientists prefer the botanical name to avoid ambiguity. The unique scientific name helps bridge the communication gap between researchers of different nationalities as all fruits are known by different names in different regions. Green apple and Tomato What is Blackberry called in other Languages? What is Blackberry called in other languages? As English is the world spoken language, most of us know what Blackberry is! But certain countries prefer their native language over English. For example, If you visit China and want to eat your favorite fruit, knowing its Chinese name will save your time and will help avoid any sort of confusion. It is better to know the name of this fruit in other languages for general knowledge! Name of fruits are common in most of the languages but they might be different in pronunciation. It might be a tongue twister to say Blackberry in languages like Chinese, Arabic etc. | The Wildlife Trusts The Wildlife Trusts Zsuzsanna Bird About The Bramble or, as many of us know it, 'Blackberry', is a thorny, fruiting shrub of the rose family, famous for its berries which are relished by people and animals alike.

It grows well in a variety of habitats including woodlands, hedgerows, gardens and scrubland, cliffs, roadside verges and waste ground. Its dense bushes provide valuable protection for nesting birds and good habitat for a range of other small animals. White or pinkish flowers appear between May and September and juicy black fruits are visible throughout the autumn. How to identify Bramble has jagged-edged leaves with five to seven oval leaflets. The thick, arching stems of the scrambling plant are protected by an army of sharp thorns. Its flowers can be white or pink, turning first to green, then red, then finally blackberries. Where to find it

Question: Which fruit has the Latin name Rubus fruiticosis?
Answer: Blackberry